VERMONT:
Of all the states we visited this week, Vermont was the one that won our hearts and made us think we would like to come back and spend some time here exploring and relaxing. Not least for the beautiful Colour (one of the reasons we had come on this trip), but also because it fulfills the quintessential image of small town Yankee America.
Vermont is the youngest of New England's states, settlers having poured in in the 1740s after Benning Wentworth (The Royal Governor of New Hampshire) began issuing land grants. Then in 1764 King George III decided that New York State should have jurisdiction over the area . As a result, the original settlers and their townships were subjected to burdensome New York fees, or had their land confiscated. In 1770 the settlers responded by forming a citizens' militia, the Green Mountain Boys, and elected Ethan Allen as their colonel, who successfully sent New York's representatives home.
When war with Britain broke out in 1777 Allen and the Green Mountain Boys joined the rebels, helping win the decisive Battle of Bennington. But, as a result of opposition from New York, Vermont had to declare itself and independent republic in 1777-91, when it was finally able to join the Union.
Green Mountain Maple Syrup:
Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the US, and first stop this morning was a visit a family-owned sugar house, surrounded by ancient maples deep in the forest, to learn more about how maple syrup is produced.
The 6-week season, with an average working day extending from 9 am to 1 am, is very labour-intensive and very hard work. Over 12,000 tap holes have to be drilled in the trees before the sap can be collected. It takes 45 gallons of sap to make a single gallon of syrup.
After a quick explanatory talk, we went into the gift shop which is far from being their principal source of revenue, having 13,000 regular mail-order customers.
The real treat of this visit, though, was found round the back!
After a quick explanatory talk, we went into the gift shop which is far from being their principal source of revenue, having 13,000 regular mail-order customers.
The real treat of this visit, though, was found round the back!
Calvin Coolidge:
Next stop, Plymouth Notch the birthplace and boyhood home of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the US.
John Coolidge, the President's father, became storekeeper of the general store in 1868, paying a rent of $40 a year, and by 1875 had earned enough to buy the store in partnership with his wife's brother.
Calvin Coolidge was born in the downstairs bedroom at the back of the store in 1872.
The family lived in this modest home until 1876 when they moved across the road to what is now called the Coolidge Homestead.
It was while on holiday here in 1923 that Vice President Coolidge received word of the unexpected death of President Warren Harding.
His father, Colonel John Coolidge, a notary public, administered the presidential oath of office to his son here.
In 1924 Coolidge Hall, a large vaulted room above the General Store, served as President Coolidge's Summer White House.
The 1840 Union Christian Church is where the young Calvin worshipped as a boy.
Wilder House, childhood home of Coolidge's mother, is now a restaurant. Chatting to the lady who ran it, while we ate our blueberry muffins, we learned that, coincidentally, she had recently returned from a Caravan Tours trip to Yellowstone Park.
Woodstock:
Not to be confused with the Woodstock of festival fame, which is in upstate New York, Woodstock Vermont has been described as 'the prettiest small town in America'. Artists and writers (such as sculptor Hiram Powers, novelist Sinclair Lewis and painter Paul Cadmus) have lived here.
We had lunch down by the river and were captivated by the scenery.
We had lunch down by the river and were captivated by the scenery.
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| Distant view of the covered bridge |
Then we set off to explore the town.
Woodstock, like a number of New England towns, has a covered bridge, built so as not to spook the horses who had to cross it ( same idea as blinkers on race horses today).
Not too sure about skiing here, though!!
Woodstock, like a number of New England towns, has a covered bridge, built so as not to spook the horses who had to cross it ( same idea as blinkers on race horses today).
Not too sure about skiing here, though!!
Quechee Gorge:
One of Vermont's great natural wonders is a narrow, 165 ft. tree-lined chasm. It's known locally as the 'Grand Canyon' of the state!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Back in the coach, and now we were travelling through New Hampshire whose motto is 'Live Free or Die'.We set off through the White Mountains.
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
The White Mountains are a mountain range covering about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine in the United States. Part of the northern Appalachian Mountains, they are the most rugged mountains in New England.
First settled by Europeans in 1623, the colony was primarily a fishing venture, named (without ever laying eyes on it) by John Mason, the governor of Newfoundland, after his home county in England. A period of warfare between settlers and Native Americans followed, resulting in by 1700 there being less than 1000 native Americans left. In 1774 Paul Revere rode to New Hampshire to warn the locals that the British planned to seize their stash of arms. and in 1776 New Hampshire became the first state to declare independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, life remained a struggle for many until the Industrial Revolution brought brick-making and textiles. Large-scale summer tourism began in the late 19th century, and with the collapse of manufacturing after 1945 tourism is now the state's main source of revenue.
New Hampshire has also gained notoriety for being the venue of the first state primary of every presidential election.
Following the Revolutionary War, life remained a struggle for many until the Industrial Revolution brought brick-making and textiles. Large-scale summer tourism began in the late 19th century, and with the collapse of manufacturing after 1945 tourism is now the state's main source of revenue.
New Hampshire has also gained notoriety for being the venue of the first state primary of every presidential election.
Flume Gorge:
Formed nearly 200 million years ago, and discovered in 1808 by 93-year- old 'Aunt' Jess Guernsey, this is a 800-foot-long gorge with cascading falls and granite walls.
We didn't stay long in the Visitors' Centre
as we had spotted some beautiful trees in the car park!
There wasn't time to take the walk but we did go down to the covered bridge.
Gosh the landscape looks amazing :) no wonder you were inspired. Photos are incredible. You r going to have to *do* something with these when you get home (dad!)
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